Only genuine visitors are welcome: Immigration heads

CHANDIGARH: Immigration operation heads of Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia today appealed to prospective immigrants from Punjab not to use unauthorised means like taking help of unscrupulous travel agents to visit their countries.

Their appeal came in the wake of reports that several Punjab-based prospective visitors and immigrants. especially those living in rural areas, were being misled by unscrupulous agents in getting them visas to visit these countries.

"We welcome genuine visitors, students and workers to the UK. However, we will not tolerate abuse of our immigration system and have zero-tolerance towards (immigration) fraud," UK Border Agency, Regional Director (South Asia), Thomas Greig told reporters here.

"Crooked immigration agents often advise applicants to provide fake documents or enter into marriage of convenience," said Sidney Frank, Canada's Area Director for Immigration in South Asia.

"Do not be fooled. Your investment will be lost. You will be denied entry into Canada," he said.

Canada, the UK and Australia are favourite destinations for people of Punjab to visit as students or immigrants.

Though representatives of these countries expressed concern over immigration frauds in Punjab, they refused to divulge any information on number of cases relating to abuse of the immigration system.